Clifton library will close for 9 days to install a half-acre of new carpeting

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Clifton's Memorial Library, also known as the Main Library on Piaget Avenue, will be closed Nov. 3 to 12 for re-carpeting.(Photo: Photo by Matt Fagan/NorthJersey., NJMG)

CLIFTON — The Clifton Memorial Library is scheduled to be closed from Friday through Nov. 12 while workers install almost a half-acre of new carpeting.

It will be the first full carpet replacement since the library opened in 1991, Mayor James Anzaldi said, making the old carpet nearly 27 years old.

Library Director Justine Tomczak said it will cost approximately $140,000 to replace 22,000 square feet of carpet.

"Despite regular cleanings, the wear and tear of millions of visitors over the past 26 years has taken its toll," Tomczak said.

The library previously replaced carpets in the entryway, circulation area, children’s room, quiet study and group study rooms. However, the rest of the space, including fiction, nonfiction, reference and periodical areas; the computer room, community rooms, media room and book nook; staircase landing and staff offices will get new carpeting, she said.

When completed, the library will have put down more than a half an acre of new carpet. It is first new carpeting since the library opened in 1991.(Photo: Photo by Matt Fagan/NorthJersey., NJMG)

It's a big job — one that requires some preparation work, Tomczak added.

"This entails labeling, disconnecting and temporarily moving staff and public computers; emptying file cabinets and desk drawers so they may be moved out of the way; and dealing with miscellaneous items, such as display racks, vending and copy machines," Tomczak said.

The larger book stacks will remain in place, but smaller units need to have items removed in precise order, carefully labelled and stored. At the end of the project, everything needs to be put back.

The library is expected to reopen Nov. 13. Also known as the Main Library, it has some 24,000 active users using 150,000 cataloged items and around 40 computers. Each year, the library gets about 185,000 visitors, Tomczak said.

While closed, Main Library staff not needed in the back rooms will work either at the Allwood Branch or rearrange their schedules to help out at the beginning and end of the project. Tomczak noted that the week it's closed includes two holidays (Election Day and Veterans Day).

A look at the old green carpet and the new carpet that will be installed between Nov. 3 and Nov. 12.(Photo: Photo by Matt Fagan/NorthJersey., NJMG)